Lee Seung Gi (이승기; born 13 January 1987 in Seoul, South Korea) is a South Korean singer, actor, MC and entertainer. Lee is well known as a member of the first season of weekend variety show 1 Night 2 Days from November 2007 to February 2012, and the MC of talk show Strong Heart from October 2009 to April 2012. Scouted by singer Lee Sun Hee (이선희), Lee Seung Gi trained for 2 years before debuting on 5 June 2004 at the age of 17. "Because You're My Girl" (내 여자라니까), his debut song from his first album The Dream Of A Moth (나방의 꿈), was a ballad which created "liking older women" syndrome in South Korea. With this song, he won the 'Best Newcomer' award in various music award ceremonies in 2004 (such as the M.net KM Music Festival, SBS Music Awards and MBC Best 10 Singers Music Festival). In 2007, he also won the "Best Male Solo Artist" award in the M.net KM Music Festival with his song "White Lie" (착한 거짓말) from his third album, Story Of Seperation (이별 이야기). Seung Gi released digital single "Will You Marry Me" (결혼해 줄래) in 2009. With this single, he received the "Digital Single Bonsang" award in the 24th Golden Disk Awards. In 2010, he recorded a duet version of his 2007 song "Smile Boy" with South Korean figure skater Kim Yuna, and was used as the official 2010 FIFA World Cup commercial song in South Korea. He also received the "Digital Single Bonsang" award for the second consecutive time in the 25th Golden Disk Awards with his song "Love Taught Me To Drink". In 2005, Seung Gi guest-starred in MBC's sitcom Nonstop 5. He then officially debuted as an actor in KBS's 2006 weekend drama 'The Infamous Chil Sisters'. In 2008, he was offered the main character role in MBC's historical drama 'The Return of Iljimae', but was forced to turn down the offer due to his tight schedule. He was cast as the main male character of SBS's weekend drama 'Brilliant Legacy' in 2009, starring with Korean actresses Han Hyo Joo and Moon Chae Won. The drama maintained its top spot in viewer ratings for ten consecutive weeks and ended on July 26, 2009 with its 28th episode attaining a high viewer rating of 47.1%. The huge success boosted Lee Seung Gi's popularity as an actor in both South Korea and overseas. With this drama, he received the "Excellence in Acting (Special Production)" award, the "Top 10 Stars" award and the "Best Couple" award with Han Hyo Joo in the 2009 SBS Drama Awards. His great performance in 2010 SBS's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'My Girlfriend Is Gumiho' similarly earned him his second "Excellence in Acting (Drama Special)" award, "Top 10 Stars" award and "Best Couple" award with his co-star Shin Min Ah in the 2010 SBS Drama Awards. Also, in 2012, he participated in a drama called 'The King 2 Hearts'. Lee graduated from Dongguk University within 4 years, obtaining his degree in International Trade and Commerce on February 20, 2009 and received a Special Achievement Award from the university. He is currently continuing his studies at the Graduate School of Dongguk University. In March 2012, Lee announced his departure from television show 'Strong Heart', in order to focus on his singing career. He recorded his last episode on 15 March, which was broadcast on 3 April, after three years of being an MC for the program.